US20080190084A1 - Electrically released parking brake for zero turn radius mower - Google Patents
Electrically released parking brake for zero turn radius mower Download PDFInfo
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- US20080190084A1 US20080190084A1 US11/673,311 US67331107A US2008190084A1 US 20080190084 A1 US20080190084 A1 US 20080190084A1 US 67331107 A US67331107 A US 67331107A US 2008190084 A1 US2008190084 A1 US 2008190084A1
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- mower
- drive
- lever
- levers
- widespread
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D69/00—Driving mechanisms or parts thereof for harvesters or mowers
- A01D69/10—Brakes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01D—HARVESTING; MOWING
- A01D34/00—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters
- A01D34/01—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus
- A01D34/412—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters
- A01D34/63—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a vertical axis
- A01D34/64—Mowers; Mowing apparatus of harvesters characterised by features relating to the type of cutting apparatus having rotating cutters having cutters rotating about a vertical axis mounted on a vehicle, e.g. a tractor, or drawn by an animal or a vehicle
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
- B60T11/00—Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator without power assistance or drive or where such assistance or drive is irrelevant
- B60T11/10—Transmitting braking action from initiating means to ultimate brake actuator without power assistance or drive or where such assistance or drive is irrelevant transmitting by fluid means, e.g. hydraulic
- B60T11/16—Master control, e.g. master cylinders
- B60T11/20—Tandem, side-by-side, or other multiple master cylinder units
- B60T11/21—Tandem, side-by-side, or other multiple master cylinder units with two pedals operating on respective circuits, pressures therein being equalised when both pedals are operated together, e.g. for steering
Definitions
- the present invention relates to zero turning radius riding mowers of the type in which the seated driver controls speed, turning and forward/reverse travel by appropriately manipulating a pair of drive levers adjacent the seat. More particularly, it relates to a way of automatically applying parking brakes or other wheel retaining mechanism when the ignition is turned off or the drive levers are swung outwardly to their widespread positions for operator dismount.
- Zero turning radius mowers are typically provided with twin drive levers that are manipulated by the seated operator to regulate the speed, turning, and forward or reverse operations of the mower.
- the ground-engaging drive wheels utilize reversible hydraulic motors that are supplied with hydraulic fluid in variable amounts by pumps linked to the drive levers. Steering of the machine is accomplished by speeding up or slowing down one of the hydraulic motors relative to the other through the appropriate manipulation of the drive levers. In some instances, one of the motors may be reversed relative to the other to turn the machine about a zero turning radius.
- Mechanical drive mechanisms have also been utilized in lieu of the hydraulic pumps and motors.
- the drive levers are moveable independently of one another along fore-and-aft paths of travel to control the pumps and hydraulic motors. However, when the levers are aligned with one another in side-by-side relationship in neutral, they can be swung outwardly to widespread positions to make it more convenient for the operator to dismount the mower.
- swinging of the drive levers to their widespread positions causes the parking brakes or other wheel retaining mechanisms to be automatically applied, holding the mower against further movement.
- the electrical control circuit is also such that when the ignition is turned off for any reason, even if the drive levers are not in their widespread positions, the parking brake or retaining mechanism will be automatically applied as a safety means.
- FIG. 1 is a left, front isometric view of a zero turning radius mower incorporating the principles of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a right, rear isometric view of the mower
- FIG. 3 is a left, front isometric view of the mower as in FIG. 1 but showing the drive levers swung out to their widespread positions for dismounting;
- FIG. 4 is a right, rear isometric view of the mower with wheels and other exterior structure removed to reveal internal details of construction;
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, left front isometric view of the left drive lever illustrating its relationship with the T-shaped guide slot in the floor panel of the mower;
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, left front isometric view of the right drive lever and its electrical brake switch for releasing or setting the right wheel brake;
- FIG. 7 is a vertical, transverse cross-sectional view through the mower chassis looking forwardly from a point just rearward of the drive levers;
- FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, vertical, transverse cross-sectional view through the mower chassis similar to FIG. 7 but showing the left drive lever swung out to its widespread position;
- FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, front isometric view of the left wheel support tower and brake assembly
- FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, rear isometric view of the left wheel support tower and brake assembly
- FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the left wheel support tower and brake assembly with the brake assembly in an applied or set condition
- FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the left wheel support tower and brake assembly similar to FIG. 11 but with the brake assembly released;
- FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of the electrical control circuit for the brakes of the mower showing the brakes in an applied or set condition
- FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of the electrical control circuit for the brakes of the mower showing the brakes released.
- Mower 10 includes a mobile chassis 12 supported by a pair of ground-engaging drive wheels 14 , 16 at the rear of the mower and a pair castor wheels 18 , 20 at the front of the machine.
- a mower deck 22 is suspended under the belly of the machine.
- a gasoline engine 24 or other type of prime mover is supported on chassis 12 at the rear of the machine for supplying driving power to drive wheels 14 , 16 and the cutter blade or blades (not shown) associated with mower deck 22 .
- An operator's seat 26 is supported on chassis 12 in front of engine 24 in such a position that an operator sitting on seat 26 can readily grasp a pair of drive levers 28 and 30 for controlling speed, turning, and forward or reverse travel of the mower.
- Levers 28 and 30 are moveable independently of one another along fore-and-aft paths of travel within respective T-shaped slots 32 and 34 in chassis 12 for accomplishing such control in a well-known manner.
- Fore-and-aft or longitudinal legs 36 ( FIG.
- T-slots 32 , 34 limit levers 28 , 30 to fore-and-aft movement through forward, neutral and reverse modes, but transverse legs 38 at the mid-point of the fore-and-aft legs 36 (corresponding to the neutral position of levers 28 , 30 ) permit the levers to be swung out to their widespread positions as illustrated in FIG. 3 to facilitate mounting and dismounting by the operator.
- Mower 10 may be provided with mechanical drive mechanism operably interconnecting the output shaft (not shown) of engine 24 with drive wheels 14 , 16 .
- the engine output shaft is connected with a pair of hydraulic pumps 40 and 42 ( FIG. 4 ) that supply hydraulic fluid to a pair of reversible hydraulic motors 44 and 46 operably connected with respective ones of the drive wheels 14 , 16 .
- the volume and direction of hydraulic flow from the pumps 40 , 42 is regulated by an internal swash plate (not shown) in each pump whose position is controlled by a lever 50 .
- Levers 50 are operated by a pair of fore-and-aft extending control links 56 that are operably connected at their front ends to a pair of inverted, box-like brackets 58 that support the drive levers 28 , 30 .
- Brackets 58 are independently mounted on a stationary cross shaft 60 for rotational movement relative to the shaft 60 about the longitudinal axis thereof.
- a pair of dampeners 61 are connected between chassis 12 and the operating levers 50 of pumps 40 , 42 to provide a measure of resistance to movement of levers 50 .
- Each of the drive levers 28 , 30 is pivotally attached to its corresponding support bracket 58 by a fore-and-aft pivot 68 ( FIGS. 6 , 7 , and 8 ).
- the pivots 68 thus permit levers 28 , 30 to swing laterally in and out when levers 28 , 30 are in the neutral position of FIG. 1 in which they are aligned with transverse legs 38 of T-slots 32 , 34 .
- At least one of the drive wheels 14 , 16 is provided with retaining mechanism broadly identified by the numeral 70 (detailed in FIGS. 6 , 7 and 8 ) for selectively, releasably holding the drive wheel against rotation.
- Each retaining mechanism 70 may take a variety of different forms including, for example, a lockable park mechanism including interengageable mechanical locking components, or a parking brake.
- each retaining mechanism 70 takes the form of a parking brake 72 , which is preferably a friction brake.
- each brake, hydraulic motor, and drive wheel hub may comprise an integrated unit such as that available from White Hydraulics, Inc. of Hopkinsville, Ky. as a Model CE motor/brake.
- Retaining mechanism 70 further includes a tension spring 80 operably coupled with brake member 74 in a manner to yieldably bias member 74 toward its raised actuated position, thus applying the brake.
- Tension spring 80 is connected at its upper end to an adjustable eye-bolt 82 that is secured to a mounting bracket 84 on the outside of an upright, formed metal, generally channel-shaped tower 86 that is secured to and forms a part of chassis 12 .
- the lower end of tension spring 80 is connected to the outer end of a generally horizontally extending lever 88 that is pivotally mounted to tower 86 by a transverse pivot 90 .
- Spring 80 thus yieldably biases the outer end of lever 88 upwardly.
- lever 88 Also coupled with the outer end of lever 88 is an adjustable, upright turnbuckle 92 that is connected at its lower end with an inverted, generally L-shaped bracket 94 fixed to brake member 74 .
- Lever 88 , link 92 and bracket 94 thus transmit the biasing force of spring 80 to the member 74 to apply a braking force to the drum of brake 72 .
- An electric control circuit 96 shown schematically in FIGS. 13 and 14 , is provided for electrically releasing and applying the parking brake 72 .
- control circuit 96 would be operative to control only the one mechanism.
- both of the drive wheels 14 , 16 are provided with retaining mechanisms, preferably in the form of parking brakes 72 as illustrated in the drawings, and control circuit 96 is operable to control both parking brakes 72 .
- control circuit 96 One primary component of control circuit 96 is an electrically powered control device 98 for each wheel 14 , 16 , such device 98 being mounted on and supported by the support tower 86 associated with that wheel.
- Each control device 98 includes, in one preferred form, a single-acting air cylinder 100 powered by a pump 102 .
- the air cylinder 100 and pump 102 are integrated into a single unit such as that available from North American Clutch Corporation of Milwaukee, Wis. as NORAM brand part number 700A020.
- Each air cylinder 100 includes a ram or piston 103 ( FIGS. 13 and 14 ) that has a rod 104 projecting downwardly from the cylindrical housing 106 of the cylinder. At its lower end, rod 104 is provided with a clevis 108 that connects to the inboard end of lever 88 via a pivot 110 .
- rod 104 is retracted, causing lever 88 to be lifted, which forces the outer end of lever 88 downwardly against the resistance of brake spring 80 . This motion thus pushes brake lever member 74 downwardly within slot 76 via turnbuckle 92 and releases the brake 72 ( FIG. 12 ).
- air cylinder 100 When air cylinder 100 is electrically energized, it retracts piston rod 104 and releases the brake 72 .
- An electrically controlled valve (not shown) associated with exhaust port 112 helps hold sufficient air pressure within housing 106 as to maintain rod 104 retracted such that the motor of pump 102 need not be constantly running during the time that pressurized air maintains piston rod 104 retracted.
- the valve of exhaust port 112 opens to set the brake.
- lever 88 is provided with a manual retaining rod 114 connected to the inner end of lever 88 via a generally upright slot 116 in lever 88 .
- retaining rod 114 is joggled outwardly and passes through the proximal side wall of tower 86 to terminate in a finger loop 118 .
- retaining rod 114 is received within a vertical slot 120 in the proximal side wall of tower 86 so that link 114 may be manually grasped and pulled upwardly to the upper limit of slot 120 .
- the rod 114 may be pushed to one side in a transverse leg 122 of slot 120 so as to releasably hold rod 114 in its upwardly raised position.
- the brake 72 will become released as the inner end of lever 88 is swung upwardly by rod 114 .
- rod 114 will remain fully raised with the brake released and piston rod 104 retracted into housing 106 .
- retaining rod 114 is out of the transverse leg 122 of slot 120 and is resting on the bottom of slot 120 .
- the vertical slot 116 in lever 88 serves as a lost motion connection with rod 114 and permits piston rod 104 to retract and extend without causing manipulation of retaining rod 114 .
- retaining rod 114 may also be pulled upwardly and hooked over the edge of transverse leg 122 when the brake is already in a released condition with piston rod 104 retracted into cylinder 100 , thereby avoiding the need to manually overpower the spring 80 .
- Control circuit 96 further includes a pair of normally closed switches 124 that are mounted on the brackets 58 associated with drive levers 28 , 30 and are electrically connected with the air pumps 102 associated with air cylinders 100 .
- Each of the switches 124 has an actuating button 126 positioned within the path of travel of the lower end of the corresponding drive lever 28 or 30 so as to be depressed and thus open the circuit when levers 28 , 30 are in their widespread position as illustrated in FIG. 8 .
- drive levers 28 , 30 are in neutral or other positions within the longitudinal legs 36 of the T-slots 32 , 34 , the lower ends of drive levers 28 , 30 are out of engagement with buttons 126 , thereby allowing switches 124 to return to their normal closed conditions as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 .
- Control circuit 96 also includes a storage battery 128 electrically connected with the pumps 102 and switches 124 , and an ignition switch 130 that is positioned for access by the operator when seated on the mower. Ignition switch 130 must be closed in order to energize pumps 102 . Because switches 124 are connected in parallel, at least one of them must also be closed to complete the circuit and energize pumps 102 . Switches 124 could be connected in series relationship with one another, in which case both of them would need to be closed, along with ignition switch 130 , before pumps 102 would be energized.
- drive levers 28 , 30 are disposed within the longitudinal fore-and-aft legs 36 of T-slots 32 , 34 . This enables drive levers 28 , 30 to be shifted independently of one another in appropriate fore-and-aft movements to control steering, speed and forward or reverse travel. Movement of levers 28 , 30 forwardly from the neutral position illustrated in FIG. 1 causes the mower to move forwardly, while moving them rearwardly from the neutral position causes the mower to move rearwardly. Steering of the mower is accomplished by moving one of the levers 28 , 30 more forwardly or reversely relative to the other lever.
- control circuit 96 is energized to keep brakes 72 released. This condition is illustrated in FIG. 14 wherein piston rods 104 are retracted within housings 106 , overcoming the bias of tension springs 80 and releasing brakes 72 . In reaching this condition, pumps 102 will have been energized to force air into housings 106 below pistons 103 , causing them to rise in housings 106 until such time as a limit switch (not shown) is engaged and operated, which shuts off pumps 102 and closes a valve associated with exhaust port 112 . This allows cylinders 100 to remain pressurized during mowing operations without requiring continuous operation of pumps 102 .
- the brakes 72 may also be set by simply turning off the ignition switch 130 (open the circuit) when the machine is running and the drive levers 28 , 30 are in their operating modes within the longitudinal legs 36 of T-slots 32 , 34 .
- brakes 72 may be set by either placing the drive levers 28 , 30 in neutral and swinging them out to their widespread positions, or by simply turning off the ignition through switch 130 .
- the ignition must be turned on through switch 130 and at least one of the drive levers 28 , 30 swung inwardly to the operating mode within the longitudinal leg 36 of the T-slot 32 or 34 .
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to zero turning radius riding mowers of the type in which the seated driver controls speed, turning and forward/reverse travel by appropriately manipulating a pair of drive levers adjacent the seat. More particularly, it relates to a way of automatically applying parking brakes or other wheel retaining mechanism when the ignition is turned off or the drive levers are swung outwardly to their widespread positions for operator dismount.
- Zero turning radius mowers are typically provided with twin drive levers that are manipulated by the seated operator to regulate the speed, turning, and forward or reverse operations of the mower. In a typical such mower, the ground-engaging drive wheels utilize reversible hydraulic motors that are supplied with hydraulic fluid in variable amounts by pumps linked to the drive levers. Steering of the machine is accomplished by speeding up or slowing down one of the hydraulic motors relative to the other through the appropriate manipulation of the drive levers. In some instances, one of the motors may be reversed relative to the other to turn the machine about a zero turning radius. Mechanical drive mechanisms have also been utilized in lieu of the hydraulic pumps and motors.
- The drive levers are moveable independently of one another along fore-and-aft paths of travel to control the pumps and hydraulic motors. However, when the levers are aligned with one another in side-by-side relationship in neutral, they can be swung outwardly to widespread positions to make it more convenient for the operator to dismount the mower. In the present invention, through use of an electrical control circuit, swinging of the drive levers to their widespread positions causes the parking brakes or other wheel retaining mechanisms to be automatically applied, holding the mower against further movement. The electrical control circuit is also such that when the ignition is turned off for any reason, even if the drive levers are not in their widespread positions, the parking brake or retaining mechanism will be automatically applied as a safety means.
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FIG. 1 is a left, front isometric view of a zero turning radius mower incorporating the principles of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a right, rear isometric view of the mower; -
FIG. 3 is a left, front isometric view of the mower as inFIG. 1 but showing the drive levers swung out to their widespread positions for dismounting; -
FIG. 4 is a right, rear isometric view of the mower with wheels and other exterior structure removed to reveal internal details of construction; -
FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary, left front isometric view of the left drive lever illustrating its relationship with the T-shaped guide slot in the floor panel of the mower; -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, left front isometric view of the right drive lever and its electrical brake switch for releasing or setting the right wheel brake; -
FIG. 7 is a vertical, transverse cross-sectional view through the mower chassis looking forwardly from a point just rearward of the drive levers; -
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, vertical, transverse cross-sectional view through the mower chassis similar toFIG. 7 but showing the left drive lever swung out to its widespread position; -
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, front isometric view of the left wheel support tower and brake assembly; -
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary, rear isometric view of the left wheel support tower and brake assembly; -
FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the left wheel support tower and brake assembly with the brake assembly in an applied or set condition; -
FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the left wheel support tower and brake assembly similar toFIG. 11 but with the brake assembly released; -
FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of the electrical control circuit for the brakes of the mower showing the brakes in an applied or set condition; and -
FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of the electrical control circuit for the brakes of the mower showing the brakes released. - The present invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms. While the drawings illustrate and the specification describes certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that such disclosure is by way of example only. There is no intent to limit the principles of the present invention to the particular disclosed embodiments.
- Referring initially to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , a mower incorporating the principles of the present invention is depicted therein and indicated by thenumeral 10. Mower 10 includes amobile chassis 12 supported by a pair of ground-engaging drive wheels pair castor wheels mower deck 22 is suspended under the belly of the machine. Agasoline engine 24 or other type of prime mover is supported onchassis 12 at the rear of the machine for supplying driving power to drivewheels mower deck 22. - An operator's
seat 26 is supported onchassis 12 in front ofengine 24 in such a position that an operator sitting onseat 26 can readily grasp a pair of drive levers 28 and 30 for controlling speed, turning, and forward or reverse travel of the mower.Levers shaped slots chassis 12 for accomplishing such control in a well-known manner. Fore-and-aft or longitudinal legs 36 (FIG. 5 ) of T-slots transverse legs 38 at the mid-point of the fore-and-aft legs 36 (corresponding to the neutral position oflevers 28, 30) permit the levers to be swung out to their widespread positions as illustrated inFIG. 3 to facilitate mounting and dismounting by the operator. -
Mower 10 may be provided with mechanical drive mechanism operably interconnecting the output shaft (not shown) ofengine 24 withdrive wheels hydraulic pumps 40 and 42 (FIG. 4 ) that supply hydraulic fluid to a pair of reversiblehydraulic motors drive wheels pumps lever 50.Levers 50 are operated by a pair of fore-and-aft extendingcontrol links 56 that are operably connected at their front ends to a pair of inverted, box-like brackets 58 that support the drive levers 28, 30.Brackets 58 are independently mounted on astationary cross shaft 60 for rotational movement relative to theshaft 60 about the longitudinal axis thereof. Thus, aslevers pivot brackets 58 aboutshaft 60 to operatepumps dampeners 61 are connected betweenchassis 12 and theoperating levers 50 ofpumps levers 50. - Each of the drive levers 28, 30 is pivotally attached to its
corresponding support bracket 58 by a fore-and-aft pivot 68 (FIGS. 6 , 7, and 8). Thepivots 68 thus permit levers 28, 30 to swing laterally in and out when levers 28, 30 are in the neutral position ofFIG. 1 in which they are aligned withtransverse legs 38 of T-slots - At least one of the
drive wheels FIGS. 6 , 7 and 8) for selectively, releasably holding the drive wheel against rotation. Eachretaining mechanism 70 may take a variety of different forms including, for example, a lockable park mechanism including interengageable mechanical locking components, or a parking brake. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, eachretaining mechanism 70 takes the form of aparking brake 72, which is preferably a friction brake. An actuator lever ormember 74 projects through anupright slot 76 in a stationaryrear wall 78 ofbrake 72 and is moveable up and down between an upper, actuated position in which a braking force is applied to hold the drive wheel against rotation, and a lower released position in which the braking force is released from the wheel to permit it to rotate. In one preferred form of the invention each brake, hydraulic motor, and drive wheel hub may comprise an integrated unit such as that available from White Hydraulics, Inc. of Hopkinsville, Ky. as a Model CE motor/brake. - Retaining
mechanism 70 further includes atension spring 80 operably coupled withbrake member 74 in a manner to yieldably biasmember 74 toward its raised actuated position, thus applying the brake.Tension spring 80 is connected at its upper end to an adjustable eye-bolt 82 that is secured to amounting bracket 84 on the outside of an upright, formed metal, generally channel-shaped tower 86 that is secured to and forms a part ofchassis 12. The lower end oftension spring 80 is connected to the outer end of a generally horizontally extendinglever 88 that is pivotally mounted totower 86 by atransverse pivot 90.Spring 80 thus yieldably biases the outer end oflever 88 upwardly. Also coupled with the outer end oflever 88 is an adjustable,upright turnbuckle 92 that is connected at its lower end with an inverted, generally L-shaped bracket 94 fixed tobrake member 74.Lever 88,link 92 andbracket 94 thus transmit the biasing force ofspring 80 to themember 74 to apply a braking force to the drum ofbrake 72. - An
electric control circuit 96, shown schematically inFIGS. 13 and 14 , is provided for electrically releasing and applying theparking brake 72. As noted above, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide only one of thedrive wheels retaining mechanism 70, in whichcase control circuit 96 would be operative to control only the one mechanism. However, in a preferred embodiment, both of thedrive wheels parking brakes 72 as illustrated in the drawings, andcontrol circuit 96 is operable to control bothparking brakes 72. - One primary component of
control circuit 96 is an electrically poweredcontrol device 98 for eachwheel such device 98 being mounted on and supported by thesupport tower 86 associated with that wheel. Eachcontrol device 98 includes, in one preferred form, a single-actingair cylinder 100 powered by apump 102. In a preferred form, theair cylinder 100 andpump 102 are integrated into a single unit such as that available from North American Clutch Corporation of Milwaukee, Wis. as NORAM brand part number 700A020. - Each
air cylinder 100 includes a ram or piston 103 (FIGS. 13 and 14 ) that has arod 104 projecting downwardly from thecylindrical housing 106 of the cylinder. At its lower end,rod 104 is provided with aclevis 108 that connects to the inboard end oflever 88 via apivot 110. Thus, when pressurized air is introduced into the rod end ofhousing 106 frompump 102,rod 104 is retracted, causinglever 88 to be lifted, which forces the outer end oflever 88 downwardly against the resistance ofbrake spring 80. This motion thus pushesbrake lever member 74 downwardly withinslot 76 viaturnbuckle 92 and releases the brake 72 (FIG. 12 ). On the other hand, when pressurized air withinhousing 106 is exhausted via an electricallyvalved exhaust port 112 associated withpump 102, such release of air pressure allowsspring 80 to pull upwardly against the outer end oflever 88, applying thebrake 72 and lowering the inner end oflever 88 as it causesrod 104 to extend (FIG. 11 ). - When
air cylinder 100 is electrically energized, it retractspiston rod 104 and releases thebrake 72. An electrically controlled valve (not shown) associated withexhaust port 112 helps hold sufficient air pressure withinhousing 106 as to maintainrod 104 retracted such that the motor ofpump 102 need not be constantly running during the time that pressurized air maintainspiston rod 104 retracted. Whenair cylinder 100 is de-energized, the valve ofexhaust port 112 opens to set the brake. - Provision is made to manually release the
brake 72 and releasably maintain it in a released condition in the event that controldevice 98 is disabled or it is simply desired to maintain the brake released for any other reason, such as while the mower is being serviced. To this end,lever 88 is provided with amanual retaining rod 114 connected to the inner end oflever 88 via a generallyupright slot 116 inlever 88. At its upper end, retainingrod 114 is joggled outwardly and passes through the proximal side wall oftower 86 to terminate in afinger loop 118. The upper end of retainingrod 114 is received within avertical slot 120 in the proximal side wall oftower 86 so thatlink 114 may be manually grasped and pulled upwardly to the upper limit ofslot 120. In such position, therod 114 may be pushed to one side in atransverse leg 122 ofslot 120 so as to releasablyhold rod 114 in its upwardly raised position. Thus, by pulling upwardly on retainingrod 114 when the brake is in an applied condition, thebrake 72 will become released as the inner end oflever 88 is swung upwardly byrod 114. By then temporarily pushingrod 114 intotransverse leg 122,rod 114 will remain fully raised with the brake released andpiston rod 104 retracted intohousing 106. - Normally, retaining
rod 114 is out of thetransverse leg 122 ofslot 120 and is resting on the bottom ofslot 120. Under such conditions, thevertical slot 116 inlever 88 serves as a lost motion connection withrod 114 andpermits piston rod 104 to retract and extend without causing manipulation of retainingrod 114. Of course, retainingrod 114 may also be pulled upwardly and hooked over the edge oftransverse leg 122 when the brake is already in a released condition withpiston rod 104 retracted intocylinder 100, thereby avoiding the need to manually overpower thespring 80. -
Control circuit 96 further includes a pair of normally closedswitches 124 that are mounted on thebrackets 58 associated with drive levers 28, 30 and are electrically connected with theair pumps 102 associated withair cylinders 100. Each of theswitches 124 has anactuating button 126 positioned within the path of travel of the lower end of thecorresponding drive lever FIG. 8 . When drive levers 28, 30 are in neutral or other positions within thelongitudinal legs 36 of the T-slots buttons 126, thereby allowingswitches 124 to return to their normal closed conditions as illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7 . -
Control circuit 96 also includes astorage battery 128 electrically connected with thepumps 102 and switches 124, and anignition switch 130 that is positioned for access by the operator when seated on the mower.Ignition switch 130 must be closed in order to energize pumps 102. Becauseswitches 124 are connected in parallel, at least one of them must also be closed to complete the circuit and energize pumps 102.Switches 124 could be connected in series relationship with one another, in which case both of them would need to be closed, along withignition switch 130, beforepumps 102 would be energized. - During mowing operations, drive levers 28, 30 are disposed within the longitudinal fore-and-
aft legs 36 of T-slots levers FIG. 1 causes the mower to move forwardly, while moving them rearwardly from the neutral position causes the mower to move rearwardly. Steering of the mower is accomplished by moving one of thelevers - During mowing operations, because
ignition switch 130 is closed and drivelevers buttons 126 ofswitches 124,control circuit 96 is energized to keepbrakes 72 released. This condition is illustrated inFIG. 14 whereinpiston rods 104 are retracted withinhousings 106, overcoming the bias of tension springs 80 and releasingbrakes 72. In reaching this condition, pumps 102 will have been energized to force air intohousings 106 belowpistons 103, causing them to rise inhousings 106 until such time as a limit switch (not shown) is engaged and operated, which shuts off pumps 102 and closes a valve associated withexhaust port 112. This allowscylinders 100 to remain pressurized during mowing operations without requiring continuous operation ofpumps 102. - When the mower is to be parked and dismounted, the operator places drive
levers transverse legs 38 of T-slots FIGS. 3 and 8 . Such movement causes the lower ends oflevers buttons 126 ofswitches 124, thereby opening the circuit and causing the valve (not shown) that controlsexhaust ports 112 to open and quickly exhaust trapped air from the underside of the pistons withincylinders 100. This allows tension springs 80 to pull the outer ends oflevers 88 upwardly, settingparking brakes 72 as illustrated inFIG. 13 . The operator would then typically turn off the ignition to openswitch 130. - It will be appreciated that the
brakes 72 may also be set by simply turning off the ignition switch 130 (open the circuit) when the machine is running and the drive levers 28, 30 are in their operating modes within thelongitudinal legs 36 of T-slots brakes 72 may be set by either placing the drive levers 28, 30 in neutral and swinging them out to their widespread positions, or by simply turning off the ignition throughswitch 130. Conversely, to releasebrakes 72, the ignition must be turned on throughswitch 130 and at least one of the drive levers 28, 30 swung inwardly to the operating mode within thelongitudinal leg 36 of the T-slot - The inventor hereby states his intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of his invention as pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set out in the following claims.
Claims (11)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/673,311 US7686108B2 (en) | 2007-02-09 | 2007-02-09 | Electrically released parking brake for zero turn radius mower |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/673,311 US7686108B2 (en) | 2007-02-09 | 2007-02-09 | Electrically released parking brake for zero turn radius mower |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20080190084A1 true US20080190084A1 (en) | 2008-08-14 |
US7686108B2 US7686108B2 (en) | 2010-03-30 |
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US11/673,311 Expired - Fee Related US7686108B2 (en) | 2007-02-09 | 2007-02-09 | Electrically released parking brake for zero turn radius mower |
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US20110167942A1 (en) * | 2008-01-17 | 2011-07-14 | Leslie Kendrick Robinson | Continuously Variable Transmission with Brake |
US8950562B2 (en) * | 2008-01-17 | 2015-02-10 | Torotrak (Development) Limited | Continuously variable transmission with brake |
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JP2012115186A (en) * | 2010-11-30 | 2012-06-21 | Chikusui Canycom Inc | Opening and closing structure of cutting blade cover |
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CN106114477A (en) * | 2016-07-28 | 2016-11-16 | 绿友机械集团股份有限公司 | A kind of braking mechanism for the curved Lawn vehicle of zero-turn |
EP3797573A1 (en) * | 2019-09-24 | 2021-03-31 | Kubota Corporation | Work vehicle |
JP2021049828A (en) * | 2019-09-24 | 2021-04-01 | 株式会社クボタ | Work vehicle |
JP7193435B2 (en) | 2019-09-24 | 2022-12-20 | 株式会社クボタ | work vehicle |
US11702135B2 (en) | 2019-09-24 | 2023-07-18 | Kubota Corporation | Work vehicle |
EP4067180A1 (en) * | 2021-03-30 | 2022-10-05 | Kubota Corporation | Work vehicle |
WO2024055145A1 (en) * | 2022-09-13 | 2024-03-21 | Greenworks (Jiangsu) Co. Ltd. | Outdoor power machine |
EP4344966A1 (en) * | 2022-09-28 | 2024-04-03 | Kubota Corporation | Work vehicle |
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